Helping students stock up on school supplies could also help their mental health and help them stay on track.
Elite DNA Behavioral Health is doing a school supplies drive at all of its Florida locations.
In Southwest Florida, the drive will benefit students in schools across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties through the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Collier County Public Schools and Charlotte County Public Schools.
Families spend hundreds on school supplies every year, and it’s an expense some just can’t afford. First-day jitters can be heightened for kids who don’t have what they need in the classroom.
“If we help children not have to worry about not having supplies, being called out, being in the spotlight, they can be focusing on working on their school work and not get anxious,” said Dr. Omar Rieche, Chief Medical Officer at Elite DNA Behavioral Health.
They’re collecting notebooks, college and wide-ruled paper, pocket folders, binders, pens, No. 2 and colored pencils, pink erasers, highlighters, pencil boxes, student scissors, gluesticks, wired headphones, sanitizing wipes and more. Cash donations and gift cards are also accepted for supplies to be purchased by Elite DNA staff.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Locations across Southwest Florida include:
- Cape Coral: 2721 Del Prado Blvd. S., Suite 200, 239-673-9034
- Fort Myers – Metro: 4310 Metro Parkway, Suite 205, 239-690-6906
- Fort Myers – Plantation: 6430 Plantation Park Court, Suite 200, 239-215-1025
- Lehigh Acres: 228 Plaza Drive, Suite D, 239-491-8204
- Naples: 2230 Venetian Court, Suite 1, 239-236-5448
- Port Charlotte: 3191 Harbor Blvd., Suites A-B, 941-883-4518
- Port Charlotte: 1777 Tamiami Trail, Suite 201, 941-249-4354